2025 Agenda

• Enhancing decision-making and agility with future-ready innovations like predictive analytics and real-time procurement analysis 

• Future-proofing procurement strategies to address changing sustainability regulations and market-driven demands 

• Adapting to evolving global supply chain challenges from geopolitical and economic shifts 

• How can you effectively evaluate your organisation’s procurement capabilities while identifying key areas for improvement? 

• How can procurement leaders adopt new technologies & processes while also upskilling their teams to leverage these new tools? 

• How can predictive analytics & other tech developments help teams make better, data-driven decisions? 

• Driving cost savings through strategic sourcing, ensuring greater financial control and profitability 

• Enhancing supplier performance with effective evaluation and management, securing high-quality deliverables that align with business needs 

• Strengthening risk management by diversifying the supply base, reducing exposure to disruptions and ensuring operational continuity 

• Implementing advanced tools for category analysis to uncover cost-saving opportunities and drive smarter purchasing decisions 

• Standardising reporting processes to clearly communicate cost-saving initiatives while ensuring they promote desired business outcomes 

• Integrating feedback loops with business units to improve category management initiatives and maximise savings

Join us for an exclusive keynote with Lorraine Finlay, Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner and a distinguished legal expert. Lorraine brings a wealth of experience in navigating complex public sector environments and championing initiatives that deliver lasting outcomes. Discover how her leadership approach can inspire procurement professionals to balance compliance, innovation, and value creation—while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical governance and public trust.

Special Guest: Lorraine Finlay, Human Rights Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission 

• Enhancing self-awareness through adversity – how personal and professional challenges revealed blind spots and shaped me into a more intentional leader
• Leading with empathy in tough environments – building trust and connection with stakeholders, teams, and customers by embracing vulnerability and emotional intelligence
• Transforming adversity into leadership strength – why resilience, adaptability, and authenticity are not just personal qualities, but commercial superpowers

• Why procurement has the power to drive real systemic change for women
• The economic and social benefits of supplier diversity
• How to identify, support, and elevate WOBs through intentional procurement strategies
• Practical pathways for embedding inclusive procurement practices

Two years ago, the BRAVO Women in Procurement & Supply Chain Survey revealed a powerful trend: more women stepping into leadership roles and using their voices to spark real change. Yet the path remained challenging, with many still navigating deep-rooted barriers and inequality.

Fast forward to 2025, and the professional landscape is shifting once again. As organisations rethink remote work, scale back DEI commitments, and respond to ongoing economic pressures, a new question arises: are women in procurement still advancing—or is progress at risk of stalling?

We relaunched the survey this year to find out. From leadership visibility to workplace flexibility, recognition to inclusion, the findings paint a compelling picture of where the profession stands—and what must happen next to retain and elevate top female talent.

Join Melissa Ruberto for an energising and thought-provoking fireside chat as she unpacks the 2025 survey results and explores the real-world experiences of women in procurement today. Whether you're shaping strategy or building your own career path, this session is a must-attend for anyone committed to driving equity and excellence in the supply chain.

Discuss ideas, gain practical tips, and meet leaders across industry to learn how to improve your skills and strategies while progressing your career. You can choose three of the following to attend, with each roundtable running concurrently over three time slots. 

• 1st round:  15:30 - 16:00 

• 2nd round: 16:00 - 16:30 

• 3rd round:  16:30 – 17:00

• Centralising ESG data through unified digital platforms to streamline reporting and foster transparency for stronger stakeholder relationships 

• Measuring the effectiveness of ESG integration by tracking key performance indicators to demonstrate impact and build credibility 

• Implementing robust data validation processes and collaboration strategies to solve data inconsistency and supplier engagement challenges 

• What innovative strategies work best to integrate sustainability into procurement processes? 

• How can procurement teams better collaborate with suppliers to adopt circular economy practices? 

• What challenges do organisations face when prioritising sustainability in procurement, and how can they be overcome? 

• How can leaders and drive sustainability within their organisations while also achieving positive business & procurement outcomes? 

• Reinforcing community resilience by sourcing from local enterprises to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities and foster long-term sustainability  

• Partnering with community organisations by integrating their services into procurement strategies to deliver mutual benefits and strengthen social ties  

• Supporting local suppliers by prioritising rural and regional businesses to stimulate economic growth and create jobs 

• Diversifying recruitment channels by utilising specialised networks to attract talent from underrepresented groups 

• Implementing blind hiring practices to reduce bias and promote equitable hiring 

• Monitoring progress by analysing team demographics to identify knowledge gaps and inform future hiring strategies 

• How can procurement teams best align with the broader goals of the business? 

• What strategies work to build and maintain strong, effective relationships between procurement teams and the rest of the business? 

• How can procurement leaders position the function as a strategic driver of innovation and efficiency during cross-departmental collaborations? 

• Developing critical thinking skills by analysing complex procurement challenges to identify innovative and effective solutions 

• Enhancing decision-making processes by applying structured problem-solving techniques 

• Encouraging collaborative brainstorming by engaging teams in solution development to leverage diverse perspectives  

• Developing a comprehensive communication plan tailored to procurement & business objectives  

• Enhancing clarity in negotiations by tailoring messages to stakeholder needs to build trust and achieve better agreements 

• Strengthening team dynamics by fostering open and transparent communication to improve collaboration and productivity 

• Creating a clear roadmap with actionable & measurable steps to implement new ideas and strategies from the conference  

• Prioritising adaptability by incorporating flexible approaches to procurement challenges to stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment  

• Fostering continuous learning through regular team updates and feedback loops to integrate innovative practices and achieve procurement excellence